Raloxifene

Raloxifene is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, as well as to reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, whether they have osteoporosis or not. It works by binding to estrogen receptors in the breast and by increasing bone mineral density. The medication comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day. Side effects include hot flashes, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms.

Raloxifene HCl for Osteoporosis

What Is Raloxifene?

Raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista^®) is a prescription medication approved for the following uses:

Preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Reducing the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
Reducing the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at high risk for it.

(Click What Is Raloxifene Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Common Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with raloxifene. However, not everyone who takes the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects of raloxifene include, but are not limited to:

Hot flashes
Joint pain
Flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, and body aches)
Infections
Sinus infection
Weight gain (see Evista and Weight Gain)
Insomnia (see Evista and Insomnia).

(Click Raloxifene Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

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